Reading Room Document

Busing

This document is a memorandum to the Attorney General discussing the busing debates and the need for clear definitions of "busing" in the context of desegregation. The conclusion reached is that busing policies are consistent with Supreme Court pronouncements, and it is unnecessary to adopt strained interpretations to justify these policies. The document also presents questions regarding the legality and constitutionality of busing, as well as the need to use the Office of Legal Counsel Opinion to explain the position on Johnson-Helms and provide a detailed justification for the views. The document raises the question of whether busing should be advocated and under what circumstances it may be necessary.

April 7, 1982